Author:Libra Nicole Boyd
Title:Hidden Manna: Fresh Bread Devotionals for Partakers of the Divine Nature
Web site:www.libranicole.com
Email: info@libranicole.com
Disilgold: What can you tell the Disilgold community about yourself that will explain why Disilgold has sought you for a perSOULnalized interview?
Libra Nicole: Having devoted more than half of my life to music ministry, God's favor has brought me into the presence of many great artists and preachers, including but not limited to Pastor Shirley Caesar, Rev. Jackie McCullough, and Bishop George Bloomer. But after seeing a need in the body of Christ to be empowered as well as encouraged, I put on my author hat and began to pen what became Hidden Manna: Fresh Bread Devotionals for Partakers of the Divine Nature, and it transcends denominational traditions to encourage its readers to know Christ, the Living Bread, more intimately through His Word.
Disilgold: What is your latest book about?
Libra Nicole: My latest book is entitled, Hidden Manna: Fresh Bread Devotionals for Partakers of the Divine Nature, and it is a compilation of God-breathed devotionals that inspires, empowers, and challenges readers to open the door to a new dimension of their relationship with God. My experience was that I observed many churchgoers who seem to experience God during the service, but who left church only to struggle with day-to-day victorious living. Hidden Manna allows me to encourage these people to pursue an intimate relationship with God through their devotional time. Worship is more than the two-hour Sunday morning experience; it’s a way of life.
Disilgold: How long did it take you to complete your book?
Libra Nicole: It took about nine months.
Disilgold: What were the happiest moments you have experienced while writing your latest book?
Libra Nicole: The overall writing and research process brought me indescribable joy.
Every one of the devotionals in Hidden Manna speaks to me. See, God is not going to deal with someone else through you without first dealing with you, and since most of the writings are birthed out of my personal situations, I embrace all of the devotionals dearly and thank God for the hidden manna of wisdom and knowledge that He revealed to me for me—as the first partaker—and, in due season, for His people.
Disilgold: Describe your writing style?
Libra Nicole: For Hidden Manna, I took a candid and conversational yet concise approach to the writing. I have observed that when there are frank discussions about religion, spirituality, or people’s relationships with God, the mood of the discussion is often dictated by the tone the speaker uses in conveying his/her views. It is worth noting that tone can impact perceptions of the information presented more than the content of the conversation itself.
Disilgold: How did you develop your writing style?
Libra Nicole: I’ve been developing my writing style ever since elementary school. My writing ability was recognized very early and nurtured by my teachers as well as my mother, who is a phenomenal writer and editor. In elementary school, I was twice selected to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Young Writers’ Conference. In high school, I was a member—and eventually editor—of the journalism staff, which, along with constant feedback from my eleventh grade Honors English teacher, helped me to develop the concise style that I have now.
Disilgold: Do you have a favorite author of all time or someone who inspired you to achieve your goals as a writer?
Libra Nicole: My mother has played the largest role in inspiring me to achieve my goals as a writer. As I mentioned, her talent as a writer is amazing and her editorial expertise has been tapped by many both locally and nationally.
Disilgold: Where do you see yourself as a writer ten years from now?
Libra Nicole: My vision is to continue to research and write, expanding across literary genres to appeal to broader reading audiences. A person can be empowered and liberated by powerful and purposeful writing, and this is the impact that I desire to make on my audience.
Disilgold: What marketing tips can you provide to new authors?
Libra Nicole: First, know your intended audience as well as your purpose—what you hope to accomplish with your piece. Second, the earlier you promote—even before the piece is out—the better. Third, get your writing out there! Don’t limit yourself to the particular piece that you’re trying to sell; write blogs and submit articles and stories to magazines for publication. The more you write, the better you become and the more likely you are to get exposed to people who may eventually become your following. In terms of marketing a finished product, word of mouth is still the best form of publicity. Eagerly solicit feedback from your readers. Let them know how they can submit comments and reviews. Good news still travels fast!
Disilgold: What other projects are you working on?
Libra Nicole: Actually, some of the things I mentioned above. I’m doing more blogging and more reaching out to the friends who have supported me on Myspace. I have a series of webisodes coming out called, “Tell Me What You Think!” Basically, I present an issue, a quote, a thought, or a comment that I believe to be relevant to today’s generation of people who have personal relationships with Jesus Christ, and anybody and everybody gets to post their take on the issue either in my blog section or on YouTube. The discussion is ongoing and the forum is designed to provoke thoughtful dialogue, challenge attitudes and mindsets, and lead us to more purposeful living. The first webisode debuted the last weekend in July and it was a spicy one! I’m excited about the response so far.
Disilgold: What are your top ten favorite books right now?
Libra Nicole: Oh wow. Emphasizing “right now,” I would say The Holy Bible, Automatic Millionaire, God Chasers, Why We Can’t Wait, a book by a pastor in my area called Deal By Me, Praise and Worship Team Instant Tune-Up, Battlefield of the Mind, The Essential 55, God’s Leading Lady, and a biography that I read a while back called How I Got Over.
Disilgold: When do you write and for how long?
Libra Nicole: I have written for as long as three hours at a time, but really the key for me is to write only when and for as long as I feel like it. I can’t force it. When the inspiration is gone, I move on to something else.
Disilgold: Do you have a favorite location for writing?
Libra Nicole: Not really. I have favorite things to write on, such as napkins, paper towels, paper plates, paper bags. There’s just something about unconventional pieces of “stationery” that ignite more creativity. (smile)
Disilgold: What method did you use to write or organize your book?
Libra Nicole: In reading Hidden Manna one will find that I didn't just sit down and pick random topics to write about. During the time that the book was being written, I was dealing with an undiagnosed illness that caused chronic pain and, at times, brought about the need for a walker. In addition to that, two dear friends passed away. Most of the 20-plus devotionals were birthed out of situations that I had to persevere through. "The Beauty of Brokenness," "The Danger of Compromise," and "Pain with a Purpose," are just a few of those devotionals.
Disilgold: What three words best describe your writing style?
Libra Nicole: Clear. Concise. Conversational.
Disilgold: What other hobbies do you pursue when you aren't writing?
Libra Nicole: I’m a musician and serve in the capacity of minister of music, so I’m usually doing something with music—either playing it, singing it, listening to it, reading about it, or writing it. I also enjoy bowling, watching college basketball, and working with middle and high school students as a teacher and currently a guidance counselor.
Disilgold: Are there any hidden jewels or talents that you possess that many of your readers may not know?
Libra Nicole: Hmm, well, I’m always making up words, so I guess you could say I’m a neologist. (smile) Some people think I’m comical at times; in general though, I don’t think this is one of the initial impressions that the public gets.
Disilgold: Where can folks buy your latest book?
Libra Nicole: They can link to the purchase site from www.libranicole.com.
Disilgold: Where can folks meet you?
Libra Nicole: It is always best to email me at info@libranicole.com to find out where I’m going to be appearing or speaking next. Of course, there’s a link to my Myspace page from www.libranicole.com, so you can add me as your friend and catch me online as well.
Disilgold: What have been some of your toughest obstacles as a writer?
Libra Nicole: The most challenging thing for me is making sure that I’m communicating effectively with the audience.
Disilgold: This section of our interview requires brief responses. Are you ready to "Get PerSOULnal" Interview?
Libra Nicole: Sure! Let’s do it!
The "Get PerSOULnal" Interview
Disilgold: What time do you awake normally every morning?
Libra Nicole: 4:57.
Disilgold: What is your writing fuel in the morning?
Libra Nicole: Whatever I dreamed the night before…seriously.
Disilgold: What early morning rituals have followed for many years?
Libra Nicole: Prayer.
Disilgold: What are your favorite foods to snack on while writing?
Libra Nicole: Lately, I would have to say Dibs—the little ice cream bites.
Disilgold: Do you watch television or listen to the radio when you're writing, and if so, what do you watch or listen too mostly?
Libra Nicole: I listen to the TV while I’m writing; I need the noise, but it can’t be loud and it can’t be anything that I’m really interested in.
Disilgold: What is your favorite book of all time?
Libra Nicole: Because it’s as timely as it is timeless, I say The Holy Bible.
Disilgold: What is your favorite magazine of all time?
Libra Nicole: Of all time? That would be Jet—I’ve been reading it since I could read. I’m very much into Black Enterprise right now, too.
Disilgold: Do you have an exercise regimen to suggest for busy writers?
Libra Nicole: Early morning walking helps to clear the mind and prepare you for the day.
Disilgold: What is your everyday outfit?
Libra Nicole: Ooh, let’s see: jeans, a fitted shirt, and sometimes a cap or a hat. My motto is, “Comfort first.”
Disilgold: What is your pet peeve?
Libra Nicole: I’m so glad you asked! People who suck their teeth, people who over-explain things, people who are disorganized, and people who fail to communicate clearly and then resent that you ask them questions about what they’ve just miscommunicated. I could go on, but I won’t.
Disilgold: If you could inspire a child, what would you say?
Libra Nicole: I am so blessed to be in a profession that allows me to do this daily. I find that what I say doesn’t matter as much as what I do to show them that I am genuinely interested in them and their successes.
Disilgold: What is your favorite motto?
Libra Nicole: I don’t have a favorite, but I do have lots. It’s so funny, when I’m about to use one, I start with, “Well, it’s like I always say…” and no one ever knows what’s coming next because I use a different motto each time!!
Disilgold: What is your favorite time to put your writing pen down and rest?
Libra Nicole: When one of my favorite TV shows is on.
Disilgold: Have you traveled anywhere besides your hometown and if so, where?
Libra Nicole: Definitely--I’ve been to Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, D.C., South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Bahamas (Freeport), and Spain (Madrid and Toledo). I’m almost sure I’m leaving someplace out.
Disilgold: Where is your dream vacation?
Libra Nicole: I liked Europe enough to go back.
Disilgold: What do you particularly like about the literary world today?
Libra Nicole: I like the non-traditional formats such as blogs, e-zines, and e-books because obviously there is a segment of the market that can be tapped using these fairly new and innovative formats; notwithstanding, I’m conventional enough to personally prefer curling up with a good hardback.
Disilgold: If you could leave one word of advice to people in general, what would it be?
Libra Nicole: People don’t have to be nice, so don’t take people’s kindness for granted.
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